And her name is..........MaryJanice Davidson.

What can I say…………she’s good. I’ve never read a paranormal comedy that I want to follow up like this. Let me tell you how this all got started. I found a book by Red Sage publishing that’s titled “Secrets” Actually, I was looking for an anthology by another author and found MaryJanice accidentally. In this book (vol#6)

was a short story by her titled “Love’s Prisoner”. The story is about a hot looking bunch of werewolves. Consisting of their leader Michael Windham and his clan made up of both male and female. The others can be found in her other stories (vol#8

and

much,
much
more). Michael was unfortunate enough to have met his mate Jeannie Lawrence. I can only say one thing; it’s hilarious to a tee!! But for all MaryJanice’s books is that they should all come with a warning. It should not be read in a public place! Unless you don’t mind strangers looking at you like you’re crazy or something for laughing out loud. Never have hot or too cold beverages to drink with the reading of this book, as you could get in to serious trouble. Her werewolves stories are also (or not) connected to her other stories (have not read them yet) about a group of vampires. Yes, vampires and their leading lady who has serious issues about her shoes.

If you like paranormal, cuddly dogs….oops, sorry I mean wolves and good looking guys then you’ve come to the right place. Trust me, this is the one to read!

Happy reading!

Toni

Farewell to Kathleen E. Woodiwiss - The Queen of Romance.

It is with great sadness that I learn of her passing away. For sometime now, I have known that she has passed away due to long illness. It was very tragic, especially for those writers who are so gifted and mostly, her loyal fan (which I am also). Let me tell you how I knew about her…

Once upon a time, there was a young girl. She was and is still tomboy. She didn’t have many friends, because her first love was literature and sport. She would spend any free time either in the library reading Greek Mythology, old English literature and dream about the gods and goddesses or just practicing her volleyball skills in the gym. Until one day, she passed by the rental bookstore to drop of a book her mother rented. She came across a book written by an author in her local language. The cover did not catch her eye, but the store owner told her it was the hottest item in print and asks if she would be interested in it? The girl wanted to know what the book was about. The store owner told her it was a romance novel. The girl replied “yuck! I don’t read soppy novels” but she did glanced through it and found it to be interesting. So, she rented the book and took it home. That……was how I got started reading romance. Later, the book was made in to a movie and the critics called it a milestone step for local writers to be able to create such fine works. At that time, no one knew that the book, story, characters and all was a translated version of the original by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss titled “SHANNA”. From there, she started to read more and more romance. Not knowing that many of them were in fact, unauthorized translated versions. Until, one day, by coincidence, she found a book in English with the same cover as the book she had previously read. After picking it up and leafing through it, she found out the truth. And from that day on, she no longer read books in her own language; instead she started to buy them in English. That started a new love affair for her, romance novels and her desire to collect as many books as she can. Even up till now, she still have those books that she first bought when she was so very, very young. Now days, she doesn’t only dream of collecting books written by her favorite authors. But she started a new dream, to write like them……sometimes, she even tries to write reviews for her favorite books. She still have a long way to go (if she still wants to get there). Here are the listings from most beloved to

My favorite book for KEW always and will be “SHANNA”. I mean, WOW, if I can find a guy like this at the gallows; I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. The story is about (of course) Mistress Shanna, who was forced to marry. She can marry anyone as long as it’s a name with some recognition and acceptance. Else, her father will make his own arrangements. She ends up finding Ruark awaiting execution in jail. His only lucky break in all of this (if you could call it lucky) was that his last name is Beauchamp. A man with the same last name as the wealthy and aristocratic family of Beauchamp’s of England. Oh, and just to let you know……if you want to know how the Beauchamp’s got their start in the Americas, you have to start from “PETALS ON THE RIVER”. Here, you’ll get to meet a fiery and outspoken adopted daughter of one of England's most formidable women, Shemaine O'Hearn. Falsely accused of a crime she did not commit and was deported from England to serve her time in the Americas. Here, she will meet with Gage Thornton-a shipbuilder with a young child in need of a nanny. Gage is also accused of a crime he has no knowledge of. Together, they will rebuild their lives and solved out the mystery as to why they were condemn in the eyes of the public of their nonexistence crime.

Followed closely by “A ROSE IN WINTER”. I do love this book and it does come in close 2nd or even equal to “SHANNA”. The story is about one woman loving 2 very different men. Yeah, yeah….but it’s not that bad you know. She did end up with both guys. Jealous? Want to know more? Go get the book and read it yourself!

“THE WOLF AND THE DOVE”, a medieval love story about the Norman warrior Wulfgar and his beautiful Saxon Princess Aislinn. Oh, what tangle web we weave. Now, this story would not have taken off if they just sat down and talked about the invasion. But….oh, no. They had to do it the hard way. And Aislinn’s mother was demented enough to help with the cover up. Unfortunately, it was the wrong thing to do. But if that was how it happened then this would have been an anthology. Lucky for us that they never had the chat or reveal the truth early in the story. Another classic by KEW. You do get frustrated sometimes but a true KEW fan will just go with the flow.

And then, there is the Birmingham Family saga “THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER” , about Brandon Birmingham and the lovely Tory name Heather Simmons. This is followed by 2 anthology with the sequel to the Birmingham’s are “THREE WEDDINGS AND A KISS” and “MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT”. These 2 books are about how Jeff Birmingham met with his future wife Raelynn Barrett. But I can't for the life of me remember which book goes first. Then you can see how the story unfolds in “A SEASON BEYOND A KISS”. The saga continues with “THE ELUSIVE FLAME”, the first born of Brandon and Heather Birmingham, Beauregard Birmingham and his soon to be wife Cerynise Kendall. The story starts out a bit slow and a lot of details. But as you go onwards, you will find the story intriguing and you might laugh at some of the ways which Cerynise handles the ruffians and getting away with it.

“COME LOVE A STRANGER” is anything but! Okay, this is a story about a woman who has two (yes two) men claiming to be husbands. Her name is either Lenore by Malcom Sinclair or Lierin by Ashton Wingate (depending on which man is calling her). As the story unfolds, you will learn why it is that each man calls her a different name and what is the tie each has to her. Each man desires her, each in their own way. But which way will it be best for her and which man will truly lover her?

Here is where I disappoint you, for the following books were read but they (as Shania Twain sang) that don’t impress me much. Starting off with “ASHES IN THE WIND” where I felt that the story was too slow and took too long to read. Next we go to “SO WORTHY MY LOVE” which should have had a better ending. Well many of her stories should have had a better ending but who’s counting, right? “FOREVER IN YOUR EMBRACE” there’s just too much running around each other. No, no!! Not the hero and heroine. I’m talking about the good guys and the bad guys. You’ll get what I mean when you read the book. “THE RELUCTANT SUITOR” is another book I feel the hero should be bitch slap for being such an @$$ xxxx and his immaturity about the situation. Wait; did I get this book right? I’m getting confuse now?!? “EVERLASTING” ….. no comment. I did not get a chance to go through it with a fine tooth comb yet. Just leafing through it and…..ummm….still no comment yet.

All in all, KEW is still queen. As it has been attest by various authors (female, that is) that they grew up with her and that she inspired a lot of writers today. Like many authors today, you have your good days and your bad. Her’s too. It’s just too bad that we will not get to read anymore of her writing as she is no longer with us.

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, creator of the modern historical romance, died Friday, July 6, 2007 in Minnesota. She had just turned 68, after a long illness. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, who was predeceased by her husband and son Dorren, is survived by sons Sean and Heath, and numerous grandchildren.

She will be dearly missed, especially her devoted fans like me.

Your most loyal fan,

Toni

Nicole Jordan.........book 1, 2 and 3 of "THE COURTSHIP WARS" series (book 3)

“THE COURTSHIP WARS”

Book 3 ‘TO SEDUICE A BRIDE’. Ah, yes…….the long awaiting ending of the series (or maybe not). Lily Loring, the youngest of all three Loring sisters. No ordinary girl here. Since the first time that Heath Griffin the Marquess of Claybourne has seen her she has captured his imagination. Sworn off marriage and men (in general) due to her childhood experience, Lily would do anything to get away from Heath. But Heath has other ideas. He wants to prove to her that passion and love can be hers, if she would dare to risk it all. I have not yet read this book, as it is set to be on sale around the end of March’08. Like her previous predecessors, the excerpt from book 2 is enough to get you drooling for the book. From the looks of it, I have a feeling that this book will not only be hot! But… it will be sinfully HOT!! I’ll make the additional comments after I have read the book. Trust me, you will know about it!

Wanting to read it very soon!!
Toni

Nicole Jordan.........book 1, 2 and 3 of "THE COURTSHIP WARS" series (book 2)

As I promised you........here's book 2.

“THE COURTSHIP WARS”

Book 2 ‘TO PLEASURE A LADY’. Here is where you get to know the second Loring sister Roslyn, and our new hero Drew the Duke of Arden. Roslyn has her eye set on someone else entirely. Planning to have a loving relationship with another but needed the teachings of Drew on how to please a man. As for Drew, you must have read about him (a little) from the first book. He’s Marcus other best friend (there’s three of them) and this is his turn to shine. From reading the excerpts from the back of the first book, I expected this book to be hot. Not that the first one was not. Okay, maybe hotter. But I was wrong………it is burning hot!! However, the story will reveal the true reason why Roslyn will not marry Drew. His way of looking at marriage and getting married to her was something of a turn off **phoo, phoo** the chemistry was there but something’s just don’t click right. Nicole set her heart on writing this series and seems that this is another one that should be on the USA TODAY’S top 10 best seller too. Why don’t these people read what they are supposed to be reading and ranking what they’re supposed to rank? Fool, they be!!!

Enjoy Reading!

Toni

Nicole Jordan......book 1, 2 and 3 of "THE COURTSHIP WARS" series (book 1)

If you are a true die hard fan of Nicole Jordan, then you will not be disappointed in this series. For those of you who are not, here’s a good place as any other to start. Nicole Jordan, a name that should be ranked up with the New York TIMES best selling authors (expected to be listed in the top 5) is one of the best Historical Romance writers present. Many have not lasted this long or was able to keep their readers intrigued with the story lines or maybe even change their style of writing. But not Nicole! If you love Regency England period, you will lover her. Her story, characters are a page turner. Although I can’t say about her Westerns, because I have not had the chance to read any yet, but if I get my hands on one….I’ll post my view about it. All I need to do is find one and buy it. Okay, back to historicals….Starting off with her latest series, here we go…..

“THE COURTSHIP WARS”

Book 1 'TO PLEASURE A LADY’. This book is the story about Marcus Pierce the Earl of Danvers and his ward Arabella Loring. For Marcus, the best possible way to solve this problem of being responsible for this three sisters is to marry them off to the first eligible bachelor he deems suitable for them. Unbeknownst to Marcus, Arabella has sworn off marriage life. Not only her, but so did both of her sisters. This is a love story. So, if you are expecting mystery, murder and mayhem….you’ve come to the wrong place, but for those who is looking for love with romance with hot sizzling love scene (well, it’s not so hot as her other previous books) you’ve come to the right place. As the characters develop, you will come to know them better and even love them. I donno know about you, but that’s how her books are to me and still! Look it up, you might like it. If so, spread the word so she’ll be a best seller!

Regency romance readers should take note that this author will not disappoint you! I can guarantee on this as I have compared her book with another well known author and found that comparing to this (previously known as) New York TIMES best seller, she rocks!!! Big time. Her writing is very constant. She keeps to her style (not the plot). This is the one thing I feel that will keep her mainstream readers loyal. Oh, by the way!! She even replies her mail herself. I don’t know about you, but she did me!

Enjoy reading!

Toni

New Reading Matterials....

Just got an eyeful of Kathryn Anne Dubios.....I saw a set of books by Red Sage Publishing titled "Secrets" on sale (a real bargain). So, I got a couple......not knowing what I was getting myself into......OHMYGOSH!!! Some of the short here was wonderful, meanwhile.....some were not ment to be published at all (either that or my English is really, really bad). Anyway, I came upon Kathryn's short and was completely blown away. Wish she could have written th story a bit longer, but....never mind. You can look her up at www.kathrynannedubois.com . I went online and started searching for a couple of her printed books, which I am happy to say I have found. All I have to do now is just wait till I get to read it and I can input my comment on this 3 books. I do hope that they're as good as the excerpt that I've read. Many times, book excerpt are quite good but the book itself is seldom not. The story that I liked the most was from the book "Secret" volume9 and 10 - "Wilde For You" and "The Sacrifice". Previously, I had a book that was another short written by her but I didn't take my time to read it. As I was actually catching up on most of my Lora Leigh's stories. I later realized that it was written by her from her site. The book was from Elora's Cave Publishing titled "Elemental Desires" story titled 'Wynd Temptress'. At that time, I was going crazy about Lora Leigh to have notice anything else (sorry). So, I have to go back, dig out the book and start reading again......*sigh*. Okay, just a reminder......some of her stories are..... a bit lame (near the ending of the story) but, otherwise......kinda..........cute!

Happy reading,
Toni

I would like to introduce to you..........Nicole Jordan.

For "Historical Romance" lovers and beginning readers in the field of romance, you will not find another more intriguing as Nicole Jordan. Visit her website at http://www.nicolejordanauthor.com/ . I don't even remember how I got started on her books and which one was the first. I think it was around the same time I discovered Lucy Monroe. Anyway, it doesn't matter. All I know that comparing her to others who has made a mark writing historical, her's (at the present) is OUTSTANDING!!! I started out by reading Catherine Coulter: Devil Duology/Night, Magic, Legacy Trilogy/Song Series/Regency and Baron Seies; Julie Garwood: Regency-The Lion's Lady/Guardian Angel/The Gift/Castles, Medieval-The Secret/Ransom/Shadow Music/The Bride/The Wedding; the late Kathleen E. Woodiwiss : Shanna/The Flame and The Flower/The Wolf and The Dove/Ashes in the Wind/A Rose in Winter/Come Love a Stranger; Dorothy Garlock: River Trilogy; Judith McNaught: Kingdom of Dreams/Whitney My Love/Almost Heaven/Until You/Once and Always; Jude Deveraux: Montgomery Family Saga; Shanon Drake: Ondine (that's all I could think of); Amanda Quick:
Seduction/Surrender/Scandal/Rendezvous/Ravished/Reckless/Dangerous/
Deception/Desire/Mistress/Mystique/Mischief/Affair/With This Ring/I Thee Wed Wicked Widow/Slightly Shady/Don't Look Back/Late For the Wedding/
The Paid Companion/Wait Until Midnight/Lie By Moonlight/Second Sight/The River Knows.

Now, that was the good old days. I've recently found out that comparing to some of the above authors with the present day writing of Nicole, you could not believe that many of these authors (not counting KEW as she passed away on 6th of July, 2007, her latest book was "Everlasting") have lost their 'original' touch. I did a comparison, that's how I know. Trust me, I've been reading romance for the past 20years, I know what I'm talking about. Okay, where was I......ah, yes. Nicole Jordan.....if you want delicious historical romance with sizzling hot love scene, be sure to get her book. Suggestions? Of course, just pick up any (and I mean all of the whole) series written by her. You will not be disappointed. Starting off with

Paradise Series:
MASTER OF TEMPTATION
LORD OF SEDUCTION
WICKED FANTASY
FEVER DREAMS

Notorious Series:
THE SEDUCTION
THE PASSION
DESIRE
ECSTASY
THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE

The Courtship Wars:
TO PLEASURE A LADY
TO BED A BEAUTY
TO SEDUCE A BRIDE

As for the list below, if you could get your hands on any of these books....just remember, they're a keeper!

Other Novels in Print:
THE LOVER (updated reissue)
THE WARRIOR (updated reissue)
TOUCH ME WITH FIRE (reissue)

Other Novels Out of Print:
VELVET EMBRACE
DESIRE AND DECEPTION
MOONWITCH
TENDER FEUD
LORD OF DESIRE
WILDSTAR
TOUCH ME WITH FIRE (Avon Books 1993)
THE SAVAGE
THE WARRIOR (Avon Books 1995)
THE OUTLAW
THE LOVER (Avon Books 1997)
THE HEARTBREAKER

There's no disappointment in (most) of her books. I did not get them all yet, but will soon as I'm always looking for them on ebay. Especially the hardcovers. At the moment, I'm very happy (and satisfied) about her new series "The Courtship Wars". This series looks to be very promising and just hope that the last 2 books are as delicious as the excerpts sounds. The 1st book is out now, the other 2 will be in the following months March and April'08. So far, I have not missed out on her books yet.

Enjoy reading,
Toni